If you leave in the south region of Nigeria, I guess you’ve already known by now how beneficial “Hospital too far” leaf is. The “lapalapa leaf” is indeed worth the hype.
Chaya, also known as ‘Hospital Too Far’ and ‘Miracle Leaf,’ is a leafy vegetable that originated in Mexico but is now widely cultivated in Nigeria’s southeastern region.
Commonly known as Tree Spinach, it is referred to by the Yoruba as ‘Efo Iyana-Ipaja’ and the Igbo as ‘Ugu Oyibo’.
Due to the multiple health advantages of this plant, this plant has been referred to as ‘God’s Gift’.
Hospital Too Far is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, calcium, iron, and ascorbic acid, as well as a potent antioxidant.
It is used to treat anaemia because of the high iron content and also helps enhance blood production and circulation.
The botanical name of ‘hospital too far’ is Jatropha tanjorensis
Health Benefits of ‘Hospital Too Far’
- Hospital Too Far Enhances Memory and Cognitive Function
- It increases the amount of calcium in the bones.
- Hospital Too Far helps with weight loss.
- It is effective in eliminating kidney stones.
- Helps to maintain normal blood pressure since it includes a beta-blocker.
- It has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal effects.
- It Enhances Visual Acuity
- Prevents the development of varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
- It is beneficial in the treatment of asthma.
- Assists in the Prevention of Coughs and Colds.
- It helps control blood sugar levels and is beneficial for diabetics.
- It promotes digestion, alleviates constipation, and functions as a laxative as well.
- Strengthens the immune system and aids in the battle against illness.
- It helps prevent cysts and cancer.
- Promotes healthy sperm production and also increases sexual drive.
- It is beneficial for memory and brain health.
- It helps to cure vaginal discharge and infection by increasing vaginal acidity, making it more difficult for pathogenic organisms to grow.
- Contributes to the development of healthy skin and fingernails.
- It stimulates ovulation.
- It is beneficial in treating insomnia.
Side effects of Hospital Too Far
Because it contains cyanide, consuming it uncooked may result in the following:
- Blindness
- Stomach ulcer
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory arrest
- Cardiac arrest
- Liver failure
- Kidney failure
- Poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
It is very important that it is boiled for at least 3-5 minutes to eliminate any toxins before consumption.
Nutrient content
Iyana-ipaja leaf is high in vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin C, and folate. Iron and fibre are abundant in Jatropha tanjorensis. Additionally, it includes a beta-blocker.
The preparation process for a cup of chaya tea
Ingredients
- 6 chaya leaves
- 2 cups of water
Preparation
Bring enough water to a boil, then add the Chaya leaves and simmer for 10 minutes. For optimal benefits, drink a cup of Chaya tea three times daily before meals.
In conclusion
It may be consumed raw or cooked by adding it to soups, salads, or tea, or by squeezing it to extract the juice, but it should never be taken raw due to the presence of hydrocyanic acid, which is hazardous to the body when swallowed uncooked.
It is strongly recommended that it be boiled for at least 3-5 minutes to eliminate the toxins before consumption.
Have you consumed this amazing therapeutic leaf before? Why and what was the outcome, please share it with us in the comment section.